19 killed, 27 injured in clash between DR Congo army and M23 rebels

KINSHASA, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Monday's clash between Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) army and the M23 rebels in North-Kivu Province left at least 19 dead and 27 others injured, the government official said on Tuesday.

"Following Monday's fighting, 15 rebels were killed and 21 others were injured, while the army lost 4 officers and 6 of them were injured," government spokesman Lambert Mende said.

He said that during the clash in Muntaho region, 12 km from Goma town, six assailants were captured by the DR Congo Armed Forces (FARDC), while two others who tried to flee were captured by the public and handed over to the Congolese National Police (PNC).

Mende reiterated that the government will use all available options, both political and diplomatic, to resolve the humanitarian and security crisis that the attack has caused.

He however did not rule out the use of the military force.

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